Miraculin
Miraculin is a glycoprotein extracted from the fruit of Synsepalum dulcificum, also known as the miracle fruit. This protein has the unique property of modifying a sour taste into a sweet taste.
History[edit | edit source]
The miracle fruit and its taste-altering properties were first documented by explorer Chevalier des Marchais during a 1725 expedition to West Africa. He observed the local population consuming the fruit before meals. The protein miraculin was later isolated in 1968 by Japanese scientist Kenzo Kurihara.
Properties[edit | edit source]
Miraculin itself is not sweet. However, it binds to the taste buds on the human tongue and acts as a sweetness inducer when it comes into contact with acidic substances, effectively making sour foods taste sweet. This effect can last up to an hour.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Miraculin has potential uses in supporting dietary changes for those needing to reduce sugar intake, such as diabetics or people trying to lose weight. It is also used in "taste-tripping" parties, where participants consume miracle fruit before tasting a variety of foods.
Research[edit | edit source]
Research into the potential uses of miraculin is ongoing. Some studies suggest that it could be used to improve the taste of medicine, making it easier for children and others to consume. Other research is exploring its potential as a sugar substitute.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
This food science related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
